State Senators Give Final Approval on Immigration Measure

Phoenix, AZ – The most sweeping part of the legislation would overrule anypolicy or practice of a city council or police department thatkeeps officers from enforcing federal immigration laws. It alsosays that, when practicable, police must inquire about theimmigration status of those they encounter as part of theirregular activities. Sen. Thayer Verschoor said Arizona needs totake action because the federal government has not secured theinternational border.

(We've had an abdication of our federal government'sresponsibility to enforce immigration laws here, protect ourborders, protect us from the criminals that are crossing ourborders, who are killing our citizens, who are robbing theirhomes, invading their homes.)

Sen. Rebecca Rios said she agrees the federal government is notdoing its jobs. But she said this is not the answer.

(This bill does nothing to address human smuggling, the drugcartels, the arms smuggling. My concern is, it creates a lot ofnegative effects that none of us here want, doesn't address thebigger issue. And, yes, I believe it will create somewhat of apolice state.)

The last word is up to Gov. Jan Brewer who was noncommital,saying she wants to review the language before deciding whetherto sign or veto it. For Arizona Public Radio this is HowardFischer.